Pompeo hops over to Tokyo to brief SK & Japanese foreign ministers (Kang Kyung-hwa and Tarō Kōno) re his discussions with NK reps. Describes the method of denuclearizing NK as FFVD (Final, Fully-verified denuking) once again and claims NK has agreed to it
yonhapnews.co.kr/politics/2018/…
yonhapnews.co.kr/politics/2018/…
The US, SK & Japan stand together to achieve FFVD, the new moniker for denuking NK which has been "agreed to" by KJU. That's Pompeo's response to detractors who say his trip didn't accomplish much. He reminds them that NK did affirm FFVD.
Pompeo must like breadbaskets full of rolls made with US wheat (real gluten flour) and heavy dairy creamer for his coffee. Plus Western translators. SK's Foreign Minister Kang doesn't need one; she used to be one and did some translating for Ban Ki-moon
Pompeo also responded in his own way to KCNA's piece which characterized his meeting with the NK side as "regretful" and his demand for CVID (or FFVD) as "gangster-like." NK also called the US side's unilateral demand for denuclearization to be "cancerous"
"Then the whole world is a gangster," he quipped. Some people quibble but that's the actual word used by KCNA in translation and the meaning isn't entirely inaccurate: NK said the continuing demand was "unilateral and predatory" on the part of the US.
Despite not being able to meet with KJU, Pompeo described what he achieved as follows:
①Reaffirmed NK's denuclearizing inclination (FFVD)
②Will soon hold working gp talks re blowing up missile engine test site
③Talks scheduled in Panmunjom on 7.12 re transferring US remains
①Reaffirmed NK's denuclearizing inclination (FFVD)
②Will soon hold working gp talks re blowing up missile engine test site
③Talks scheduled in Panmunjom on 7.12 re transferring US remains
Pompeo downplayed not meeting KJU by saying it wasn't expected but ABC reporter recalls WH press secretary saying he was expected to meet with NK's leader. SK analysts think the likelihood of the meeting was determined by how the talks went on the 1st day
yonhapnews.co.kr/politics/2018/…
yonhapnews.co.kr/politics/2018/…
SK politician (ex chief-of-staff to KDJ) says it was a mistake on the part of NK to not have KJU meet with Pompeo: "Diplomacy requires protocols and mutuality of consideration has to be followed." Nonetheless he cautioned against reading too much into this
yonhapnews.co.kr/nk/2018/07/08/…
yonhapnews.co.kr/nk/2018/07/08/…
SK FM Kang thanked Pompeo for "continuing to be patient" in dealing w/NK (LOL). The job requires Job-like patience. She reminded NK that suspending joint US-SK exercises was designed to prompt NK to quickly implement denuclearization (but KCNA's piece pooh-poohed its importance)
Pompeo's main message to SK & Japanese FMs was that until FFVD achieved, UNSCR sanctions won't be eased. He cited progress on some fronts but they were more procedural than substantive (like forming umpteen working groups), reflecting NK's dilatory tactic yonhapnews.co.kr/politics/2018/…
What's meant by that is NK elongates the process until the parties are distracted, the issues become obsolete or patience simply runs out: why you need Job-like patience to focus on the matter at hand when dealing with NK.
